THE expected Sinn Fein candidate to fight the Foyle constituency in the forthcoming General Election has hit out at the DUP saying they are out of touch with the people on marriage equality.
Elisha McCallion MLA is expected to be unveiled this Thursday night as the party’s candidate to try and wrestle the seat from sitting SDLP MP Mark Durkan.
Ms McCallion, a former mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, said the DUP had a lot to learn about respect and equality for all.
“Comments from Jim Wells that the DUP could split if there is equal marriage in the north highlights the attitude that party to equality,” said the Sinn Fein Foyle MLA.
“His remarks show just how out of touch he and his party are with the views of the general public.
“And it shows once again that the DUP is placing its party self interest above the need for equality for all.
“They have clearly learned nothing from the recent election where the majority of people voted for equality and respect for all.
“Marriage equality is an issue where the people are ahead of many politicians.
“It’s long past the time that equal marriage should be extended throughout the island,” she added.
Ms McCallion was elected to the Assembly in March this year after Martin McGuinness stepped aside due to ill health.
She had been a councillor for the party in Derry for the past 12 years before running for the Assembly.
